National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1887-06-22
The Political Contest of 1888.

The Political Contest of 1855.
In about one year the national Repub
lican convention will be held to nominate
candidates for President and Vice President
Of the United States. Within that time all
the preparatory work of selecting delegates,
of shaping public opinion in favor of one
man and against another, and presenting
the elements OF strength which each pos
sess will be brought to the attention of the
Republican party and the American people.
The NATIONAL REPUBLICAN believes that
the best interests of the Republican party
require that there should be the freest ex-
change Of views, that there should be not
even an appearance of bossism, but that the
solid judgment of the party should be ex-
ercised without the instruction OF delegates;
that each delegate should be at liberty to
exercise his Judgment, but at the same time
respect the preference OF his constituents,
To obtain success nomination should he
untrammeled by any rule that will prevent
the nomination OF a ticket that will EN-
brace the elements of success. Under or
dinary circumstances the party in power is
expected to nominate its candidate first.
In the present case the nominee Of the De-
mocracy president Cleveland) is practl-
cally known. Their declaration Of princi-
pies, known as platform, is as well under
stood to-day as 1t will be after their con
vention. 1t will be series OF declarations
furnishing planks for each Of the opposing
factions IN stand upon.
1t Is stated that the Democracy, con-
trolling the patronage of the nation,
oi the great state Of New York, aud
Of the great cities within that state, is
now preparing a thorough organization Of
the party throughout the United States
down to school districts. Consultations are
being Systematically held with representa-
tive Democrats and Office holders from all
sections Of the republic to accomplish this IN
the most thorough and effective manner.
that the Democratic party will prefer ii
short canvass, aud will, therefore, put OF
its nominating convention to the latest mo-
ment, hoping by these tactics to be better
prepared for the presidential campaign than
the Republican party.
Itwould seem, therefore, the part OF wis
dom that the national Republican commit
tee should call its convention not later than
June, 1888. The Republican press of the
country from this time on should present
the names Of men suitable for the Office OF
President, in order that they may be fairly
weighed, and that the party or the people
should not be taken by surprise.
In the case of Mr.. Blaine probably little
can he said that is new. He has the
misfortune of having been unsuccessful,
yet the race was SO close that his friends
may claim with considerable force that he
should have an opportunity to try it again.
John Sherman is well known to the
country as a successful Republican leader
Of the largest experience in legislative and
executive duties that eminently fit him to
be standard bearer OF the Republican
party. The two gentlemen named occupy
high place in the Judgment and affections
of the Republican party, yet there are other
names that the convention will consider,
and II is well that the press should discuss
them In advance. 1t is not always the men
who seek the nomination that make the
best race.
The present indications are that nan
whois noted for good judgment and knowl
edge OF the material interests OF the coun
try, and whose experience would best 1T
him TO recommend the soundest legislation
TO promote those interests would have the
largest claim to public confidence. Tho
name Of Gen. Joseph Il. lIawley, Of Con-
necticut, unites In an eminent degree the
elements Of strength as a patriot soldier, a;
safe legislator, with the highest order Of ex
ecutIve ability, so far as circumstances have
placed these varied responsibilities upon
him.
In the Mississippi valley there Is no IN an
who occupies higher position, or who has
the reputation for safety aud sound judg
ment in all that relates to national alfalrs
than Senator William b. Allison, of Iowa.
The Pacific coast has never had Presl,
dent or a candidate. That section OF the
republic is an important factor in the
wealth, the enterprise, and the future com,
merce of this country. Many ideas that
have and will affect the legislation of this
republic were born there. Should the Pa,
ciGc coast present the name Of Senator
Leland Stanford 1t will command the re-
spect Of the American people. 1t is not toe
much to say that mainly by his efforts the
republic was bound together by bands OF
steel at time when II was threatened by dis